Airline Rail Trail

Airline Rail Trail Overview

The
Airline Rail Trail is a 22 mile rail trail in Eastern Connecticut
on the former tracks of the New Haven, Middletown & Willimantic
Railroad. The trail has approximately 22 miles complete with
50 miles planned. Much of the trail now is composed of ballast,
stone dust, and packed dirt. The completed part of the trail
is called Airline Rail Trail South. The
railroad was called the Airline becuase it was the
straightest route from Boston to NY.

The
trail environment is diverse with forest, streams and wetlands
and is popular for experience the changing leaves in the Fall.
It has over one dozen bridges and stone culverts and two large
viaducts called the Lyman and The Colchester which are listed
in the National Register of Histric Places. Additional points
of interest on the trail are Beaver Brook State Park, Goodwin
State Forest and Conservation Center, Grayville Falls Park,
the Hampton Reservoir, and the Salmon River State Forest.

The
additional 27 miles of the
trail, called Airline Rail Trail North, has scattered sections
of improved/unimproved surfaces. Many organizations and communities
are working hard to complete the unfisnished sections of these
trails. Be sure to check the main trail web site for details
and updates on conditions.